CW renews ‘Smallville’ for 10th season

Superman drama was technically 'on the bubble'

“Smallville” fans can rest easy: The CW staple will be back this fall for its landmark 10th season.

The “Superman” skein wasn’t included among the See-Dub’s recent roster of fall pickups, causing heart palpitations among Clark Kent die-hards.

Show had technically been “on the bubble,” but it nonetheless still performs up to CW standards. “Smallville” is tops in its timeslot with hard-to-reach men 18-34 and men 18-49.

Also, according to the CW, “Smallville” has improved its ratings perf on Fridays at 8 p.m. (where last year, granted, the netlet ran its last remaining low-rated laffers). In the slot, CW is up 67% among adults 18-34 (1.5/6), 200% in men 18-34 (1.8/7), 75% in adults 18-49 (1.4/5) and 74% in total viewers (3.12 million).

The CW also remains in the Tom Welling business on another front: Welling is an exec producer on the network’s drama pilot “Hellcats” (also known as “Cheer”).

“Smallville” was developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson are executive producers, along with James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. Warner Bros. Television is the studio.

See-Dub has already picked up “The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl,” “90210,” “Supernatural” and “America’s Next Top Model” for another season. “One Tree Hill,” “Life Unexpected” and “Melrose Place” still await their fates (although “Melrose” is extremely unlikely to be back).